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Energy Performance Certificates What exactly are they?

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) document a property's current energy efficiency and supply the recipient with information on how to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Energy Performance Certificates What is in the report?

EPCs contain two parts of information:

Information on your home's energy use and carbon dioxide emissions

A recommendation report with suggestions to reduce energy use and carbon dioxide emissions

Energy use and carbon dioxide emissions An energy performance certificate grades from 'A' to 'G' with 'A' being deemed very energy efficient and 'G' being not very energy efficient. The Energy Efficiency Rating graph for homes looks like the above example.

The average England and Wales efficiency grade is 'D' and all homes are measured using the same factors. It is interesting to note that 27% of all UK carbon dioxide emissions come from domestic housing.

The recommendation report EPCs come with a detailed recommendation report outlining potential areas that would help reduce the amount of energy you use, thus lessoning your carbon dioxide emissions.

potential cost savings per annum, when the improvements are carried out

the impact the changes would have on energy and carbon emission ratings

As the report suggests, these are recommendations and not enforceable. However, making the recommended changes could make your property more attractive to a potential buyer or tenant by making it more energy efficient, hence lowering running costs.

How to book an EPC and how often you need to renew an EPC

You will need to book an EPC if you are buying or renting a home. You'll have to provide the EPC as a legal requirement and could be fined £200 if you don't have a valid report. Your EPC is valid for 10 years but should you carry out any alterations to your property, we would recommend that you obtain a new EPC.